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Navigation

The navigation route at the mouth of the Estuary has recently changed in order to compensate for the movement of Pole Sands, a large sandbank at the mouth of the estuary which naturally shifts over time.  A notice to mariners is available on the Exeter City Council website.

Navigation maps are available from local chandlers

The Harbour Authority

The Harbour Authority for the Exe Estuary is Exeter City Council meaning that they are responsible for:

Moorings - from Topsham quay to the sea

  • Use of public quay at Topsham for boating activities
  • Provision of buoyage throughout the estuary
  • Hydrographical surveys of channel and clearance of wrecks
  • Navigation bylaw monitoring with merchant shipping regulations control.
  • Provision of pilotage

Pilotage

  • Navigation and Safety of boats and sea going vessels

Buoyage and Hydrographics

  • Surveys of the channel are done every six months in the vicinity of the Bar and buoyage changes are done as necessary and as approved by Trinity House.

Harbour Authority Review

In 2002 Exeter City Council employed consultancy firm Adams Hendry to review the options available for managing the navigation on the Exe Estuary.  Their report recommended the creation of a new harbour authority that would be a trust port, in accordance with government guidelines on good practice.

Changing the Harbour Authority from a Municipal Port (led by the local authority and funded through their budget) to a Trust Port, funded by Harbour Dues, would mean an increase in cost to the Estuary Users.  It is proposed that the revenue generated would fund a part-time Harbour Master post, a clerk to manage the funds, and allow a small budget for their activities.  For some of the duties, such as enforcement and the collection of harbour dues, the harbour authority would rely on volunteer support.

Exeter City Council worked closely with the Exe Estuary Users Association to agree a model for the trust port that both are happy with.

Formal Notice of the application for a Harbour Revision Order was published on 20 December 2006 and eight objections were received, one of which was later withdrawn.

A public enquiry will be held on Tuesday 9th September 2008 at 10am at the Exeter Corn Exchange, Market Street, Exeter, EX1 1BW, where the case will be decided.

For more information visit the Exeter City Council website.